Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly said that United States ruler Donald Trump is seeking a “peaceful transfer” of Greenland from Denmark. This would be a “purchase,” in which the U.S. would buy the Arctic island from Denmark instead of using the military to take it over.

“President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it’s vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. She added that using the military is “always an option at the commander-in-chief’s disposal.”

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also asserted that a U.S. invasion would be the end of the U.S.-run  bloc NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). “If the United States attacks another NATO country, everything stops,” she said.

Trump Renews Calls To Take Over Greenland In Aftermath Of Venezuela Attack

Trump has repeatedly called for the takeover of Greenland, saying the U.S. is in need of the island for “national security” reasons.

Trump Wants To Takeover Greenland For “National Security”

European NATO members released a statement on Tuesday backing Denmark and affirming Greenland as its self-governing territory. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed that no NATO member “should attack or threaten” another member, and that an armed conflict between the US and Denmark would render the alliance pointless.

Greenland’s leading political parties have long advocated gaining either independence or greater autonomy from Copenhagen. Icelandic singer Bjork posted a message to her 2 million Instagram followers on Monday stating that she supports the island’s fight for independence, while expressing hope that Greenland could follow the example of Iceland, which broke away from Danish rule in 1944. -RT

The U.S. has softened its rhetoric with regard to Greenland; however, it’s unclear if Denmark is willing to “sell” the island to the U.S., and if it chooses not to, what the outcome would be.